Finance Business Partner

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students. We launch our students by preparing them for in-demand jobs through high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance our graduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts, social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolve our students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling. Proud to be named one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, our applied research focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation. Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary’s first esports arena, and the Bears varsity team, Bow Valley College, is celebrating 60 years of student success. Learn more about the opportunities we create at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Position Summary

The Finance Business Partner provides high-quality strategic financial leadership and advisory services to a portfolio of internal clients across the College. This role exists to enable informed decision-making through sustainable budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial insight within a complex academic and research environment. Working in close partnership with Deans, Directors, and senior leaders, the incumbent delivers trusted financial expertise while ensuring compliance with college policies, public-sector accounting standards, and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Management of Financial Resources 

Ensure departmental financial processes and procedures comply with college policies, regulatory requirements, and stewardship obligations.

Oversee expenditures and revenues, ensuring compliance with regulatory, granting agency, and donor requirements.

Lead and manage year-end financial processes, including accurate accruals, variance analysis, and maintenance of audit documentation.

Provide ad hoc financial reporting and analysis to support timely, evidence-based decision-making.

Mentor and train administrative professionals and support staff in financial and budgetary practices.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with Deans, Directors, and staff, supporting navigation of financial systems, policies, and processes.

Meet monthly with Deans and Directors to review operating results and key business performance drivers.

Support leaders in maintaining the College’s contract management system.

Review contract language for new initiatives and provide recommendations related to financial risk mitigation.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis 

Provide technical financial guidance and advice to executive and management teams.

Assist in the development of program costing models for new and existing programs.

Advise leaders on identifying budgetary risks and opportunities.

Lead preparation of annual operating budgets and forecasts; serve as a key finance resource for Vice Presidents.

Provide expert advice on public-sector accounting practices and PSAS standards.

Produce and explain financial reports, ensuring stakeholders understand impacts, risks, and opportunities.

Test and support budgeting systems, liaise with external consultants, and deliver training as required.

Work closely with academic leadership and VPA on government program proposals.

Prepare monthly variance analysis in collaboration with Deans and Directors.

Monitor the effectiveness of budgeting and forecasting policies, systems, and processes; recommend improvements.

Lead departmental operational budgeting, forecasting, and planning activities.

Manage financial change initiatives and recommend corrective actions.

Support development of business cases and proposals through financial modeling and sensitivity analysis.

Strategic Analysis & Advisory Services 

Develop regular and ad hoc financial reports for senior leadership to support strategic decision-making.

Provide high-level variance analysis and forecasting to identify emerging issues.

Support risk management, internal controls, and legislative compliance initiatives.

Monitor and recommend improvements to college financial policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Economics, or a related discipline
(Master’s degree or MBA preferred)

Minimum 7 years of progressively senior experience in accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders

Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, business intelligence tools, data warehousing, and advanced spreadsheets

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Preferred Qualifications

Professional accounting designation (CPA, CPA-CA, CPA-CGA, CPA-CMA, ACCA)

Experience in a technical finance role with cross-functional stakeholder engagement and supervisory responsibility

Strong background in business case development and advanced financial modeling

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills

Advanced technical skills in integrated financial systems

Proven leadership capability and experience providing direction to staff

Knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and post-secondary education environments

This opening is a full time continuous salaried Exempt position.

Please note all successful candidates will be required to present government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check. If your education was received internationally, as proof of education qualifications, you will be required to provide an international education assessment from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator.

Join us and be a key driver in attracting the best talent to Bow Valley College.

Closing date:
March 1, 2026

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.